Itchy rash that won;t go away

Hi there,
I've had a itchy rash just near the sides of my nostril for 3 months now. I've seen 2 doctors and am now about to try my second topical cream.  The rash it dry, scaly and very itchy.  The strangest part is that when I went away for 2 1/2 weeks to europe, the rash almost completely disappeared, and then as soon as I returned home to Toronto, it not only came back, but now it's spreading.  The first hydrocortisone cream I was given makes the redness and itchiness go away temporarily, but then it always comes back either after a shower or a few hours of not applying the cream.  My next cream is called westcort topical cream.  I really don't know what to do because I feel like this might be caused by something like an allergy to my environment or food or something... Any suggestions?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Two possibilities are there.It can be seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes flaky,dry, white to yellowish scales to form on oily areas esp under the nose or anywhere on face. You can treat flaking and dryness with over-the-counter dandruff or medicated shampoos.

The second possibility is of eczema.Antihistaminics,topical and oral steroids and calamine lotion are the main mode of treatment.

Pls get it examined from a dermatologist as without examination,confirmation of a diagnosis is tough.

I hope it helps. Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.